Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have reportedly refused to accept their invitation to King Charles' Coronation in May until certain demands have been met, according to one insider.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex confirmed they received an invitation to the royal event, but haven't announced whether or not they will attend. It's now been reported Harry and Meghan are locked in tense talks with the royals over 'demands' and conditions on their attendance.
An insider told OK! a major cause of concern was how the couples children - Archie, three, and Lilibet, one - will be included in the celebrations. The source also claimed the Duke and Duchess requested places on the Buckingham Palace balcony alongside other senior royals.
The Palace insider told the publication the couple's reluctance to officially accept the invitation until their requests were met could turn the entire event into chaos.
The source said: "The Palace are trying to wrap up negotiations as quickly as possible because they can't go right up to the wire. It could lead to chaos. It could very well be that it ends in stalemate, and they won't attend. But the Palace is doing everything in its power to not let that happen."
The insider added that including Archie and Lilibet at the official Coronation at Westminster Abbey had “never been a bone of contention” as young children were not expected to attend “due to restlessness and tantrums”.
“However, what the Sussexes' are pushing for is for them to be included with the rest of the family at the Palace later that day,” the insider said. "It's also Prince Archie's birthday on Coronation day so they would like some kind of nod to that at a lunch or drinks reception. Even if it's just a happy birthday mention."
The source added the Sussexes are asking Palace aides to include them on the balcony with the rest of the Royal Family once the King has been crowned to wave to the crowds.
The insider said: “Once the King has been crowned, there will be a Coronation procession that will start at Westminster Abbey and end at Buckingham Palace. Once the procession reaches the Palace, the King will take to the balcony and wave at the crowds with the rest of the royal family members and their children.
“This is where Harry and Meghan have requested inclusion.”
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